B2 Reading Comprehension

Last summer, I attended a music festival in Nara, an event that had been celebrated annually for over a decade. The festival, which showcased both traditional Japanese music and modern fusion bands, drew thousands of visitors. I’d been exploring different music genres for years, so the blend of taiko drums and electronic beats was an exciting discovery.

The main stage featured a performance by a taiko group, whose rhythmic energy was so captivating that I couldn’t look away. The leader, Ms. Tanaka, explained during a break that taiko drumming, which has been practiced for centuries, embodies Japan’s cultural spirit. I was surprised to learn that many performers had been training since childhood to master the intricate rhythms. If this tradition hadn’t been preserved, its powerful legacy might have faded. A modern band followed, blending taiko with jazz, creating a sound more dynamic than I’d expected.

After the performances, I joined a workshop where we tried playing basic taiko rhythms. The physical effort was far more demanding than I’d anticipated, requiring both strength and precision. Ms. Tanaka shared that festivals like this have been encouraging younger generations to engage with traditional music. If such events hadn’t been organized, fewer people might appreciate taiko’s cultural value. I also visited a booth selling handmade drums, their craftsmanship so impressive that I considered buying one.

The festival deepened my appreciation for music’s ability to bridge past and present. I’ve since been listening to more taiko recordings and exploring other traditional instruments, like the shamisen. The experience inspired me to attend more cultural festivals, hoping to discover how music shapes identity across generations.